LONDON, CMC – Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson has conceded it was a “tough decision” to drop prolific goal-scorer Jonson Clarke-Harris for Tuesday’s 1-0 win away at Port Vale.
The focal point of Peterborough’s attack, Reggae Boy Clarke-Harris was last season’s League One Golden Boot winner and has already scored six times this season, including four in the league.
Reggae Boy Jonson Clarke-Harris.
However, Ferguson said with Clarke-Harris likely to be sold in the January transfer window, he must examine the attacking options at his disposal.
“It was a tough decision to leave Jonno out, and it always will be,” said Ferguson, who started with 20-year-old academy graduate Ricky-Jade Jones up front and used Clarke-Harris as an 83rd-minute substitute.
“He understood what I said to him, but he was disappointed. He showed a perfect reaction when he came on, though.
“It’s probably inevitable that he will be gone in January, so I must look at different options.
“The decision I made tactically was that Ricky would find more space than Jonno because he’s quicker, and in moments, he did.”
Clarke-Harris was transfer-listed during the summer after Peterborough failed to gain promotion to the Championship.
However, the only bid for the 29-year-old came on deadline day from Bristol Rovers, but the move to the southwest collapsed late after Rovers failed to file crucial paperwork on time.
With Clarke-Harris remaining on Rovers’ radar, especially after his fine form, Ferguson said it had been essential to assess Jones.
“There’s one he should have scored in the first half, and in the second, he’s made the wrong decision when we had a chance to get someone in on goal, but it was the right game to make the switch,” Ferguson said.
“Ricky did fine. He did what we asked as he stretched the game, he pressed, and he was a nuisance. The defenders had to always be on their toes, so for a young lad coming into a position he has not played often, but one we know he can play. He did fine.”
Peterborough, known as “The Posh,” lies fifth on 25 points, having already won seven times and drawn four in 14 games.